World Vegan Day: 10 vegan myths exploded

It's World Vegan Day today, and in honour of our soya-loving friends, I thought I'd share this great list of common misconceptions about vegans.

I'd love to go vegan myself, but being overly fond of cheese, I can't quite kick the dairy habit (the vegan stuff just still isn't cutting it, I'm afraid, and oh how I've tried to like it). But for today only, I'm avoiding all cow-related products, option for soya, veggies, tofu and nuts. Perhaps you're doing the same? Do send in any tips and tricks about making the vegan experience a bit more enjoyable. Meanwhile, here's that list...

1. “Vegans are an anaemic bunch”

No way Jose! Get yourself a bucket of cold water before you click into Vegan bodybuilders website. Olympic champion Carl Lewis, gorgeous Alicia Silverstone and hot Joaquin Phoenix (need I say more??) are amongst famous vegan hotties. You can see a longer list of vegan celebs here if you need further convincing.

The best fashion accessory for Vegans is the one matching their beliefs. The mainstream has now caught on that “Green is the new Black” and compassion in fashion is in vogue. Stella McCartney is one among many designers who refuses to use fur or leather in any of her prêt-a-porter collections.

3. “Vegans are Fruit loops”

There may be a few fruit loops amongst them but there are a few rather brilliant minds too. Mr Janez Drnovsek, president of Slovenia, is vegan, and just to name few revered veggie brains - Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer, Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci. Maybe tofu is the next brain food …

4. “Vegans live on rabbit food”

Vegans love their rabbit food but they also love to tantilise their taste buds with scrumptious cuisines from around the world. Does the sound of Brazil Nut Choc Temptation sound too good to be vegan? Go to veginity.com for this recipe and more. For delectable ice cream, try B’Nice Rice Cream.

5. “Vegan = Stylish footwear = Oxymoron”

Not anymore! Happy Vegan feet can now step out in style with stores like Bourgeois Boheme. Footwear and accessories for both men and women are ethically sourced from around the world. Look out for the new collection under their own label coming out in the vegan month of November.

6. “Vegans love animals more than people”

The furry, scaly and warty ones are their passion but high on their priorities too is the welfare of their fellow 2-legged Homo sapiens variety too. Wherever possible, vegans look out for fair trade produce; see The Fairtrade Foundation for further information.

7. “Vegans will not rest until they convert the entire world into Vegans”

They would love everyone to be vegan of course but they do understand that this is the real world. Another way around is to set up a little country of vegans! One group hopes to purchase an island to establish their very own vegan island community.

8. “Vegans are all crazy animal rights activists”

There are many passive ways to be the voice for animals and to have fun at the same time. One such “cheeky” way is getting for them to get their gear off and run nude along the streets of Pamplona. Intrigued? Go to PETA’s (People for the Ethical treatment of Animals) runningofthenudes.com for more details.

9. “Vegans are tree huggers”

Indeed they are and they love hugging lots of other things too! Actually, veganism and environmentalism go hand in hand. Did you know that farmed animals, cow’s flatulence for one, produce more greenhouse gas emissions (18%) than the world’s entire transport system (13.5%)? Go to the Vegan Society (vegansociety.com/html/environment/) for further interesting facts.

10. “Vegans have a chip on their shoulders”

“Let’s say you were stranded on a deserted island and your only food source was a turtle, would you eat it…?”

Vegans are bombarded with such absurd scenarios everyday; it’s not surprising that they may snap back! If you really want to know what vegetarian ethics is about go to Vegetarians International Voice for Animals website.

And talking of chips, we can eat those, too! It's not all lettuce and rabbit food in the meatfree, dairy-free world :)

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It's World Vegan Day today, and in honour of our soya-loving friends, I thought I'd share this great list of common misconceptions about vegans. \n\nI'd love to go vegan myself, but being overly fond of cheese, I can't quite kick the dairy habit (the vegan stuff just still isn't cutting it, I'm afraid, and oh how I've tried to like it). But for today only, I'm avoiding all cow-related products, option for soya, veggies, tofu and nuts. Perhaps you're doing the same? Do send in any tips and tricks about making the vegan experience a bit more enjoyable. Meanwhile, here's that list...\n\n1.\t“Vegans are an anaemic bunch”\n\nNo way Jose! Get yourself a bucket of cold water before you click into Vegan bodybuilders website. Olympic champion Carl Lewis, gorgeous Alicia Silverstone and hot Joaquin Phoenix (need I say more??) are amongst famous vegan hotties. You can see a longer list of vegan celebs here if you need further convincing.